About Waiheke Island (Waiheke is warmer & drier than Auckland on average.)

First settled in 12000AD paradise was home to the Maru iwi until centuries later Toi claimed the Island. During the 1820's the famous Hongi Hika killed most of the inhabitants in a big battle at Onetangi beach. (Onetangi meaning "weeping sands")

But now Waiheke Island has become the fast growing holiday destination for travellers. Its 128 kilometres of coastline indented with numerous sandy beaches, Nekau palm and Pohutakawa shores. On the northern side are splendid open ocean beaches while on the south side are large inlets, big mangrove forests and an interesting sand spit lagoon ideal for kayaking. The highest point on Waiheke is Maunganui hill only 231 metres.

The remote eastern end of the Island is where Stony Batter has become an interesting place to explore. Here a large network of tunnels were made during the second world war. You need a flashlight to view its very dark empty rooms and deep tunnels. A fascinating landscape surrounds this area with huge bolders that has become a wonder how they ever got there.

Pre European history of Waiheke have left traces of their occupation in the form of archaeological sites scattered over the landscape. Pa and defended sites which are found on many of the narrow headlands are easily recognisable. As well as fortified sites , there are traces of village which are generally seen as pits and terraced areas.

Waiheke has prided itself now with its relatively new tourist enterprise. It’s Wineries. Here red wine has made a mark in the industry and now more than 20 vineyards have established themselves in what is becoming a boom industry.

With the temperate climate people are starting to grow olive trees with success stories also.

Small private art galleries have popped up over the Island. And now the new main gallery in Oneroa village shows a variety of local and New Zealand artists.

Waiheke has become a great place for walks. These walkways run along various coastal areas with magnifinent views looking over the gulf.

You may wish to stay a while ... the locals call it Waiheke time ... Island atmosphere.....

Visit the markets on Saturday .... take a tour by Tuk Tuk (Thailand motorised bike)

Try something for half a day. GO KAYAKING it really is worth the effort.